Ravi Shastri Finally Breaks Silence On Coaching Team India Again

Ravi Shastri served as India’s head coach from 2017 to 2021, after having previously worked as the team’s director for a couple of years. During his tenure, he forged a formidable partnership with then-captain Virat Kohli.

While he couldn’t clinch an ICC trophy, Shastri oversaw several historic achievements, including back-to-back Test series wins in Australia in 2018 and 2021. Under Shastri’s leadership, India also held a 2-1 lead in England in 2021 before the final Test was postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19.

Since stepping down after the 2021 T20 World Cup, Shastri has been a constant voice in the commentary box and has no plans to return to coaching.

“I did it for 7 years, my friend; it takes its toll. So, I need a breather. Oh, it's 250 plus days a year, just the travel and the amount of hours that go into the nets, and things of that sort, it takes a toll,” Shastri told Sky Sports Cricket.

Following his departure, India lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies under Rahul Dravid, and went on to win the 2025 Champions Trophy with current coach Gautam Gambhir.

Shastri also reserved high praise for Shubman Gill, who was exceptional in his first Test series as captain against England, scoring 754 runs at an average of 75.40, with four centuries in five matches.

“No question, Shubman Gill, he will be there for a long long time. You saw the kind of series he had here in England; he’s only going to get better. He’s right up there, very regal, and has that look in him, very easy on the eyes and very fluent.”